In this episode of Living in the Gray with PK, we’re pulling back the curtain on the subtle but dangerous cycle of people pleasing and how it often leads to self-abandonment.

PK unpacks how this behavior is rooted in the fear of rejection, shares personal stories of navigating this tension as a pastor and Black woman, and invites you to take steps toward living more holistically — where your yes aligns with your values and your no doesn’t come with guilt.

This conversation is for the person who’s done disappearing to make others comfortable. It’s for the one learning that peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of self. If you’ve ever struggled to choose yourself without apology, this episode is your reminder: your wholeness is holy.

🔗 Share this with someone who needs permission to stop performing and start healing.

Follow us on social media @livinginthegraywithpk

What does it look like to live in the tension of self-doubt and divine assignment? Join Pastor Krys aka PK as she navigates the in-between to discover what exactly God says about why we're called and how we can respond.

Don't forget to tag @thekrysmcdonald and @livinginthegraywithpk with your feedback and takeaways.

Scripture Reference: Exodus 3, Philippians 1:6

🎙️ Have you ever felt like you’re standing in the hallway of life between two doors—one God closed, and one He hasn’t opened yet? That’s the gray.

It’s the space where faith is tested, identity is stretched, and clarity hasn’t quite caught up with your calling but you still know you’re called to and for something. Welcome to "Living in the Gray" the podcast for those learning to trust God in the tension of life.

Scripture Reference: Proverbs 3:5-6

📣 NEW PODCAST ALERT! 🎙️

Life isn’t black and white—and neither is our faith journey.

Introducing Living in the Gray with PK — a podcast for the misfit, the faith-filled, and the ones still becoming. Each episode helps you navigate life, leadership, and healing in the tension between “I’m not sure” and “God is still good.”

👀 Expect real talk.

🔥 Powerful guests.

🎯 Truth that sticks.

The podcast trailer is live now!

🎧 Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, YouTube & wherever you listen.

🔗 Follow @LivingintheGraywithPK for inspirational drops + behind the scenes.

Why does everything have to be either/or? Absolute? Divided?

Join Krys McDonald as she navigates her way through the intersection of Christianity and culture with a conversation centered around what it means to be objective in a world of perceived absolutes. How can we learn to see certain situations from a both/and angle instead of forcing our opinions onto others? In this episode we will unpack what it means to have healthy relationships on and offline that reflect our objectivity and respect for one another.

Recommended Readings:

Let's Get Connected:

Facebook: @shespeakswithkrys

Instagram: @shespeakswithkrys

Website: https://www.whenkrysspeaks.com

People who consider themselves a prophet in the Christian community love to use the phrase "cry loud and spare not" but what does this really mean, especially when it comes to addressing cultural issues? Should we as Christians even address cultural issues from our own platform?

Join Krys McDonald as she navigates her way through the intersection of Christianity and culture to discuss what it means to openly rebuke others in the Christian community especially with the growing access to social media, which makes it easier to spread our rebuke further across demographics.

Recommended Readings:

Listen to More Episodes: She Speaks Podcast

Shop for Faith-Based Merch: shespeaksapparel.com

Let's Get Connected:

Facebook: @shespeakswithkrys

Instagram: @shespeakswithkrys

Website: https://www.whenkrysspeaks.com/

How can our social footprint that we leave on social media and in these streets translate into constructive instead of destructive behavior when civically engaging with others? Especially in times of political and social unrest. And especially as Christian believers?

Join Krys McDonald as she navigates her way through the intersection of Christianity and culture to discuss what it means to "be civil" in an uncivil world, especially when engagement with others is easier now because of social media spaces that provide space for people to share their opinions freely, even if foolishly. How can we have conversations about subjects like #policebrutality #TyreNichols and #riots without disrespecting one another? Let's talk about it.

Recommended Readings:

Listen to More Episodes: She Speaks Podcast

Shop for Faith-Based Merch: shespeaksapparel.com

Let's Get Connected:

Facebook: @shespeakswithkrys

Instagram: @shespeakswithkrys

Website: https://www.whenkrysspeaks.com/

Are you wrong for considering yourself an Empath as a Christian believer? 

Join Krys McDonald as she navigates her way through the intersection of Christianity and culture to discuss what the social media streets are tussling about. What is an empath and is that the same thing as having empathy? On this episode we will unpack what it means to be an Empath and how that impacts those who profess to follow Christ.

Recommended Readings:

Listen to More Episodes:

She Speaks Podcast

Let's Get Connected:

Facebook: @shespeakswithkrys

Instagram: @shespeakswithkrys

Website: https://www.whenkrysspeaks.com/

Join Krys McDonald on a new episode of #shespeakspodcast where she navigates her way through the intersection of Christianity and culture as she speaks about the reality of respectability politics. Krys will highlight the huge problem with respectability politics in the Black community and share her thoughts on how this manifests in our mental health and in a church context as well.

Have questions, comments, or thoughts to share? Connect with me and let's chat:

www.whenkrysspeaks.com

Instagram: @whenkrysspeaks or @shespeaksapparel

Join Krys McDonald as she speaks about the tragic death of 16-year-old Ma'Khia Bryant who was killed by police on Tuesday, April 20th. Many people have opinions about why the officer is wrong in this case but listen in as Krys shares why the blood of this child is on more hands than that officer who fired the gun.

IG: @whenkrysspeaks

www.whenkrysspeaks.com